I wanted to thank everyone, first of all, for the kind encouragement and advice you've given me since I joined the forum at a time I wasn't even sure I should delve into magic. Now I have made a decent start at learning. But one of the biggest befits I've gained is the crucial concept that it isn't the mechanical skill for sleights and such that is the most important. It's about "the stuff in between" for lack of a better term. Having read here about some of the underlying concepts and science behind misdirection and psychology - the direction you look, and why/when, your body posture, the things NOT to say and/or point out directly during a routine, and the patter, I know are all MORE important than the mechanics of the routine itself. Thank you (!) for making me understand that BEFORE I ever started trying to learn a skill or routine.

Now that I am several chapters into Tarbell, all of that is reinforced. And here is a good example of how a routine can fail or be successful (at least to my mind). I learned a certain "trick" in Tarbell. Then I saw two videos of people doing this same trick on You Tube (yes, I know there is no quality control there and not to use it as a primary source). The first person who did it was THOROUGHLY entertaining and hilarious - his patter could almost have been entertainment all by itself. And the way he interacted with the audience participants was light-hearted, respectful and again, very funny. The 2nd video I saw of the same trick showed a guy who did the moves correctly, from a technical standpoint, but his jokes (when he had any) were lame - just not funny or entertaining. Then when he was done, he did that sort of "Ta-DA!" thing, as if to say "aren't I amazing?" I found that to be a bit off-putting.

I just wanted to provide feedback on how important it was for me to learn about the REALLY important stuff before getting into trying anything. I'm now finished learning the mechanics of my first trick - one that was provided for joining this forum (Eric Jones). But every day I practice the individual parts of the routine, in the way Tarbell says to practice;-), and in watching the video over and over, I'm paying VERY close attention to the "non-mechanics" of the actual trick, and to the way he stands, where he looks, and when, etc. I would only have known to pay attention to those things because I learned it here.

So thanks! This foundation, I am sure, will serve me well.

Cheers!

Ken

I, too, have found that it is the patter which transforms a trick from "mechanical" to "magical." It would seem so obvious, since there are many life experiences that point this out to us, should we care to take notice of it. One example: As a pastor I have known many organists who were great "technicians," but could hardly be called "musicians." They can play the notes (often with great dexterity and accuracy), but have no real feel for the music itself. Or a student who can memorize large amounts of material, yet never learns anything from it. I suppose what it all boils down to is "being someone who does magic tricks" versus "being a magician."

Sure is a great place to learn the difference between magic and tricks!

Glad you're giving it a go. You'll learn a lot here and on the journey.

Like I said! (see my posts to Ken)

Read Tarbell, FIRST!


Once again!>>> S. H. Sharpe said it: "Those who think that magic consists of doing tricks, are strangers to magic.

Tricks are only the crude residue from wich the lifeblood of magic has been drained."

I couldn't agree more Ken. Joining this forum has made me rethink my presentation rather than learn new effects.

Good on you Ken! Remember, we are entertainers first. Tactical vs. Technical. You don't even have to be that great with a sleight as long as your presentation and personality shine through! Happy to see you're giving it the old college try! Can't wait to see your progression as we move forward!

With only 53 years in magic, I learn something every time I read some posts here. To me this is without a doubt the best magic forum on the Internet.

No doubt Bob! 40+ years, myself. Hey guys. I'm gonna share a secret with you. There is a book. $35. It will CHANGE you. It did me! It is called, "Tales Of Enchantment: The Art Of Magic".

http://www.leapinglizardsmagic.com/aaa_n......ales.htm

Read the PDF preview. Quoting myself:

"Walt leads you to a wealth of ideas to create your own unique "Tale Of Enchantment"! Isn't that what we try to do as magicians? Aren't we all "Enchanters" in some way? A true "tool of tools" for the creative magician, who needs an idea of HOW to build that unique story. This book far exceeds my expectations! Walt has the ability to show you how to take an ordinary trick, and make an extraordinary effect out of it!"

Even so much as a coin vanish needs a REASON for it to happen! Are you showing off "skills", or creating MAGIC? You want your audience to be puzzle-solvers? Or would you rather they be amazed, astonished, enchanted? Yeah, do Tarbell. No question. But this is for those who wish to be different. To go the extra mile to astonish!

Doug

Thanks for sharing Doug! I'm gonna give this a look!

There are a few others, but I thought this was most important. Our audience is not stupid. They know what we do are tricks. But. It's the MINDSET you PUT them in at first, that will determine their appreciation for what you show them.

"Wanna see a cool trick?" vs. "Hey, let me take you to a place. A place of unusual happenings. A MAGICAL place..."

Doug

That's how I feel. I'm not here to fool anyone. I want to entertain and show you a world that you never knew existed!